Cruise Northern Europe

PONANT invites you on a musical cruise with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault.

This 8-day circuit to discover the islands of Northern Europe will take you from Iceland to Ireland via the Hebrides and the Isle of Skye.

Reykjavik is the most northerly capital in the world, lying slightly above the 64th parallel. Houses with colourful roofs line its streets and this, coupled with the many ducks in its lake, produces a picture postcard setting. It boasts real cultural riches, particularly in contemporary art, notably with the Reykjavik Art Museum.

You will then discover Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westmann Islands. Fishing is the main source of income in this exceptional site. You can admire its volcanoes and its almost-desert like landscapes.

During your stopover in Belfast, you can visit the Giant's Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.

LE JACQUES CARTIER

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Port of call & excursions

Reykjavík

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

7 September 2020 – Reykjavík

Arrival 07/09/2020. Departure 07/09/2020 late afternoon.

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

8 September 2020 – Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar

Arrival 08/09/2020 early morning. Departure 08/09/2020 midday.

This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.

9 September 2020 – At sea

Arrival 09/09/2020. Departure 09/09/2020.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

10 September 2020 – Stornoway, Hebrides

Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.

11 September 2020 – Portree, Isle of Skye

Arrival 11/09/2020 early morning. Departure 11/09/2020 midday.

Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.

12 September 2020 – Belfast, Northern Ireland

The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.

Dublin

Disembarkation 13/09/2020 at 07H00 .

The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, PONANT will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Theme

Music

Whether you are a fan of instrumental classical music or opera, or you prefer jazz or Celtic melodies, why not enjoy a different and very special experience aboard a PONANT ship? Set sail for a luxury cruise combining the charms of music and the sea.

These cultural cruises, where the tempo is set by concerts on land or at sea as well as a series of conferences, bring together music lovers and artists around a shared passion: music.

An exceptional selection of artists*

Aboard the ships, our guests of honour, all well-known artists, talented performers and brilliant virtuosos will share their knowledge and their passion in an accessible and intimate way.

According to the theme of each cruise, PONANT welcomes prestigious artists, be they pianists, violinists, singers and more.

Come and share alongside them the refined adventure of a PONANT musical cruise.

*See the list of guests of honour present during your cruise in the “Guests” tab.

Guest(s) Lecturer(s)

Alain Duault

The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.

Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).

In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi,une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.

Elsa de Lacerda

Elsa de Lacerda began her music studies at the age of seven with Nadine Wains.

Winner of the Charles de Bériot competition, Young Talents, Young Soloists and Horlait Dapsens, she was 15 when she won the Crédit Communal (now Axion Classics) competition that earned her the opportunity to perform solo with the Liège Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Bartholomée. She went on to further her studies with Jerrold Rubenstein.

In 1994, after an audition for the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM) she was one of eight finalists to be admitted for the Eastern Music Festival internship in North Carolina, USA.

In 1998 she won a bursary to the Accademia Chigiana in Sienna, Italy, with Boris Belkin.

At the Royal Conservatoire in Brussels, she passed her Higher Diploma in the violin with distinction in André Kleve’s class, and also won chamber music and violin First Prizes, again with distinction.

Since finishing her studies in 2003, Elsa de Lacerda has devoted herself to string quartets and has performed in Belgium and abroad at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, Flagey, Académie de Saintes, the Palais Royal in Brussels, the Stavelot Festival, Festival des Midis-Minimes and on Radio Switzerland.

As well as her life performing in quartets, Elsa de Lacerda is a journalist and music critic, working frequently with RTBF’s classical music channel Musiq’3, La Vif L’Express and Le Soir.

Elsa de Lacerda plays a 1761 Nicolò Gagliano violin which has been loaned to her by the Soussan – Pelc family.

Languages spoken: French, Portuguese, Spanish

Photo credit: ARR

Marie Hallynck

Soloist, chamber musician and passionate about teaching the new generation, Marie Hallynck is one of the finest cello players of her generation.

Winner of the famous Eurovision competition in 1992 and Juventus Association in 1996, voted ‘Rising Star’by the Echo network in 2001 and ‘Musician of the Year’by the Belgium press in 2002, she began her international career at a very young age. She has played on many of the world’s most prestigious stages, such as Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna’s Musikverein, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and the Berlin Philharmonic to name a few.

In 2006, she founded the Kheops Ensemble with clarinettist Ronald Van Spaendonck, pianist Muhiddin Dürrüoglu and harpist Sophie Hallynck, an eclectic ensemble with whom she explores a myriad new avenue in chamber music.

Her many recordings, produced by Harmonia Mundi, Fuga libera, Cyprès, Alpha, Naxos, Ricercar, Musique en Wallonie and Warner Classics, have earned her the highest accolades from the music press. Her latest album features Dirk Brossé’s Cello Concerto for Isabelle which she performs with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself.

As well as all her concerts, Marie Hallynck has been teaching at the Royal Conservatoire in Brussels since she was 19 and is often invited to sit on the jury of prestigious international competitions (ARD Munich, Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels).

She plays a 1717 Matteo Goffriller cello.

Languages spoken: French, English

Photo credit: ARR

Jodie Devos

After studying at the Institute of Music and Pedagogy in Namur, Jodie Devos graduated from the London Royal Academy of Music. Already awarded in several competitions, the young soprano received the second prize as well as the audience prize at the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2014. She then joined the Opéra Comique Academy and was named Young Talent of 2015 by the International Classical Music Awards.

Michaël Tambour

At the age of 12, he was hired as a soloist at the Antwerp squadra in the opera « Cinderella « composed by P.M.Davis and since he is regularly called to play in many orchestras such as the Royal Theatre of la Monnaie, the opera Flanders, the Royal opera of Wallonia, the Royal Philharmonic orchestra of Liège, the chamber orchestra of Wallonia etc.

From 1997 to 2002, he was a member of the trumpets quartet MTDM touring in Belgium and abroad: France, Germany, Italy (the “Fenice” in Venice).

In 2001 he entered the trumpets section of the Grand Orchestre d'Harmonie of the 1st Regiment of Guides with which he gave numerous concerts in Belgium and abroad. In May 2 007 he became soloist of the trumpets section of the Guides.

In February 2013 he became principal trumpet of the Royal Band of the Air Force.

Michael diversifies his musical activities and is recognized as an authority in many different musical fields such as Baroque music, Jazz or Pop.

In January 2004, he joined the trio Lamibe Tromba and in 2005 became part of the Cover group "Soul Factory"

In 2010 he joined the Salsa group "Mucho Gusto" and in 2011 he became member of the "Ensemble de cuivres de Belgique" with which he was invited to Japan in June 2015 for a series of concerts with Michel Becquet

Since September 2012, Michael also occupies the position of professor of trumpet at the Music Academy of Beloeil.

Language spoken : French

Photo credit: Sandrine FRAIKIN.

Eliane Reyes

Invited to perform on the world’s big stages, wherever she goes Eliane Reyes enchants her audiences as a pianist who is constantly exploring her art and forging new paths, while conserving the subtle touch that is her signature.

Eliane Reyes has performed with many of the great conductors such as Rudolph Barshai, Roberto Benzi, Lionel Bringuier and Tibor Varga. She has also played in major concert halls including Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Konzerthaus (Berlin), Festspielhaus (Baden-Baden), Auditori (Barcelona), The Sage Gateshead (Birmingham), Bozar (Brussels), Philharmonic (Cologne), Philharmonic (Luxemburg), Laieszhalle (Hamburg), Cité de la Musique (Paris) and Musikverein (Vienna). Partners include violinist Lorenzo Gatto for the Rising Stars 2011 tours, Philippe Bernold, Lise Berthaud, Frank Braley, David Cohen, Marc Coppey, Henri Demarquette, Jodie Devos, Augustin Dumay, Ivry Gitlis, Philippe Graffin, Andrew Hardy, Gary Hoffman, Jean-Marc Luisada, Misha Maisky, Frédéric Pélassy, Anne Queffelec, Marc Sabbah, Raphael Sévère, José van Dam, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, the Vuillaume trio, and the Danel, Elysée, Voce and Parkanyi quartets. In 2017, Eliane Reyes toured for a month in Asia and Tokyo with the Kock Trio, and had the privilege of playing for the Imperial family of Japan in the Akasaka Palace.

In 2018 and 2019, she was invited to perform at the Nantes La Folle Journée music festival and the Roque d’Anthéron piano festival.

Her discography which embraces Chopin, Shostakovich, Debussy, Brahms, Milhaud, Tansman, Godard and Nicolas Bacri, to name a few, has earned her many awards: ‘Maestro Pianist’ in the Pianiste revue, Classic Info’s ‘Ring’, Crescendo’s ‘Joker’, 5 Diapasons and ‘Supersonic in Pizzicato’. She received ResMusica’s ‘Golden Key’ for her solo recording of Tansman’s 24 Intermezzi. Eliane Reyes has been nominated three times at the International Classical Music Awards and obtained the ‘Octaves’ of music in Belgium.

Always exploring new avenues, Eliane devised the ‘Valses Poétiques’ concerts and readings with Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, ‘Music & Philosophy’ concerts with Jean-Yves Clément and Michel Onfray, and a series of ‘En mode’ concerts associating couturiers and music history with Yann Kerlau.

Eliane was taught by her mother and gave her first recital at the age of five, receiving the César Franck prize the same year. Her meetings with Gyorgy Cziffra when she was 10, becoming the youngest award-winner of his foundation, and with Martha Argerich when she was 14, were turning points in her career as a pianist. She studied at the Royal Conservatoire in Brussels, then the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel with Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden, before advancing to the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, the Lemmens Institute in Leuven and the CNSM in Paris under Michel Beroff, Brigitte Engerer and Jacques Rouvier.

Today, she teaches at the Royal Music Conservatory in Brussels and at Paris’s CNSM. In October 2016 she became the first Belgian pianist to receive the insignia of the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France.

Language spoken : French,English

Photo credit : JHimmler

Possibility of withdrawal in case of force majeure.

Pre/Post & Overlands

During your cruise

07/09/2020 – Glacier Adventure

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

This super four-wheel drive tour starts with a visit to Iceland’s first National Park Thingvellir, where the oldest still existing parliament in the world was founded and assembled through centuries in a grandiose landscape. Thingvellir is also very important from a geological point of view.

The route ascends to an elevation of 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level over Kaldidalur, a valley-like, rocky and barren defile between the snow-capped Ok (1,198 m – 3,930 ft) and Langjokull Glacier (1,355 m - 4,445 ft). This spectacular glacier is a continuous, solid shield of ice, in places up to 900 metres (2,950 ft) in thickness and about 1,000 square kilometres (386 sq. miles) in area, the country’s second biggest field of ice.

Continuing on, in heated snow four-wheel drive vehicle with covered bodyworks, into the icy world of the glacier. On board our vehicle, we will drive on the glacier as it is suited for travelling around the wonder-world of ice. After returning from this marvellous adventure we have our light lunch break (buffet).

The route continues into the Borgarfjordur district, visiting the extraordinarily beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where water emerges in many small falls from beneath a lava field. Drive past Reykholt where the 13thcentury historian and Prose Edda writer, Snorri Sturluson, lived. Next, we stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring with high-spouting spurts of boiling water. Continuing over mountain ridges and through pretty lake dotted valleys towards one of the longest fjords of the country, the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord and driving along the shores back to Reykjavik.

We recommend you wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions.

07/09/2020 – Inside the Volcano

This overland must be pre-booked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

Thrihnukagigur volcano is dormant – it last erupted over 4,000 years ago. There are no indications of it erupting again in the near future. The volcano name, mostly unpronounceable for anyone other than locals, would be directly translated as “Three Peaks Crater”. The beauty of the crater mostly consists in the various colouration found inside it and its enormous – and to some extent intimidating – size. To put it in context, the ground space is equivalent to almost three full-sized basketball courts planted next to each other and the height is such that it would easily fit full sized Statue of Liberty into the chamber.

Thrihnukagigur volcano lies in the Blafjoll mountains, just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. Once you reach the Blafjoll Mountains’ cabin, you will leave your transportation behind and begin an easy and very scenic hike through the lava fields to reach the opening of the crater (approx. 40 minutes). At the base camp, you will be divided into smaller groups of 4–5 people. This is the maximum number allowed on the open elevator that will lift you inside the magma chamber of the dormant volcano. The descent is approx. 120 metres (400 ft) long and takes approx 7–8 minutes each way. Once at the base, you will spend approximately 30 minutes on the ground in the magma chamber.

You can wait for your turn while enjoying a tasty bowl of traditional Icelandic meat soup, as well as hot coffee, tea or chocolate, offered free of charge at the nearby base camp close to the crater opening.

After this incredible experience, you will hike back to your transportation and return to the pier and your ship.

All safety gear and equipment necessary for the descent are included. All equipment and processes have been tested extensively and approved by the administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland. Before accessing the open elevator, you must wear a helmet and the required harness, which will be provided on the spot. Several guides, all highly trained and experienced mountain guides and cave explorers, will be with you at all times. We recommend you wear good hiking shoes and warm outdoor clothing. Temperature inside the crater is about 5 to 6 °C. Children must be at least 12 years old to participate and be accompanied by a parent. This overland is limited to 18 participants. it will be conducted in English only and isn’t exclusive to PONANT passengers.

Before your cruise

03/09/2020 – ICELANDIC ADVENTURE AND WELLNESS (3 NIGHTS)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Get a real feeling for the scale and the intensity of the wild expanses of this country and drink in the breath-taking sights where land, sea and sky meet. A stay in the heart of untouched, wild and remote Iceland, where man is merely a guest of nature.

Day 1 - Reykjavik

Check-in at ION adventure hotel on the country side of Reykjavik (approximate 50-minute drive from city centre/1-hour 15-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport). Official check-in time is 4.00 pm.

The end of the day is at leisure.

Meet your fellow travellers for dinner served at the hotel.

Day 2 - Thorsmork

You will embark for a safari on a 4x4 vehicle to explore Þórsmörk, a magnificent valley that takes its name from Þór (Thor), the god of thunder.

Thorsmork is famous for having a great variety of natural features and has been protected since 1921, in the care of the Forestry Service. Weather in Thorsmork is often warmer than nearby, since it is protected by the three glaciers surrounding it ; Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. During the hike, you will discover the magnificent landscape, a must for all nature lovers.

After your hike, lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Then, the drive through Þórsmörk provides a unique perspective, some glacial river crossing and travelling through rough terrain as well as the beautiful green vegetation of moss, fern and birch wood.

Than discover Gígjökull glacier, an outlet glacier from the notorious Eyjafjallajökull glacier that erupted in 2010 and the ever graceful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a stunning waterfall that drops 60 m and originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. If you are feeling adventurous you can walk behind the waterfall.

At the end of this journey, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 3 - The Golden Circle

Depart for the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring located on the small village of Fludir.

This is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, since 1891. Have a unique experience relaxing in warm water surrounded by several geothermal spots and a little Geysir, which erupts every few minutes.

Your next stop is at Fridheimar Horse Park and Greenhouse. The owners will introduce you to Icelandic agriculture – its local market greenhouse production.

The family will share their story as to how their joint passion for horses and horticulture entwined and thrived into the enterprising establishment that it is today. In the greenhouse amidst the fragrant aroma of fresh tomato plants and the buzzing of worker bees.

Then a fresh homemade lunch will be served.

Following the greenhouse visit you will head to the most beautiful waterfall of the country, Gullfoss. Nearby you will also stop at the Geysir geothermal area with its multitude of hot springs, where the most active one, Strokkur, spouts every few minutes.

Your last stop of the day will be at Thingvellir National Park, a place of tremendous interest as a primary site of both Iceland’s geological and historical heritage. Look over the geological fault known as Almannagja - the place where Europe’s oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in the year 930 AD, and where it convened in grandiose surroundings every summer for nearly eight centuries.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 4 - Reykjavik

The morning is at leisure to enjoy the ambiance and amenities of your hotel before your check-out.

Transfer to Reykjavik where you will have free time exploring the city.

In the afternoon you will be picked up at Reykjavik´s City Hall for your Panoramic Reykjavik tour. With plenty of space, clean air and natural green energy - Reykjavik clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. The city’s logo “pure energy” says it all - whether that pure energy is portrayed in the form of the city’s heating, nightlife or culture, Reykjavik delivers.

You will visit to The Pearl vantage point with great views of the capital area and beyond.

Head to Hallgrimskirkja Church. The largest in Iceland at 74,5 meters high and is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Continue with the spectacular coastline and harbor area, the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hofdi house - venue of THE landmark “end of the cold war” meeting in 1986 between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev

Then you will be transferred to the port of Hafnarfjörður, to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The ION Adventure Hotel is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, which is a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik. In balance with its environment, the hotel with its minimalist design plays with heat and cold : raw materials such as concrete and light wood are in harmony with the soft and sleek decor. The bedrooms offer a panoramic view over the lava fields that surround the hotel. The restaurant offers new Icelandic cuisine that mixes tradition and modernity.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.Contact your travel professional for further detail.

This program includes walks on irregular ground, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes

You will be able to swim in hot water sources, do not forget your swimsuit.

A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.

Early check-in is available depending on availability and at a supplement.

An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability.

Please, contact your travel agent for further detail.

Contact of your hotel:

ION Adventure Hotel

Nesjavellir 801, 801 Nesjavellir,

Iceland

Telephone number : 00 354 482 3415

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.